The Chicago Bears, in their continous search for a new stadium location, have turned their attention towards the possibility of planting roots in Northwest Indiana. Season ticket holders received a survey this Monday, as reported by the Chicago Sun-Times, probing their interests and what they might be willing to spend on a new stadium experience, pitched just ""
The survey described a "modern, fan-first stadium experience surrounded by a vibrant neighborhood destination," offering more than 15,000 parking spaces for what could be one of the most robust tailgating experiences in the league, the Chicago Sun-Times stated. Despite this engagement with fans, the Bears are also taking into account the local governments and state leaders, as they navigate the financial intricacies of constructing a new sporting colossus.
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker has indicated the state's support in infrastructure, albeit with no funding for the stadium itself. Pritzker clarified, "We help private businesses all the time in the state, and I want to help," but remained adamant in a statement obtained by WGN-TV that "we're not going to build a stadium for the Chicago Bears."
While the Bears management explores venues in Indiana, they still hold a $197 million deal for the Arlington International Racecourse property, acquired back in 2021. However, Gov. Pritzker suggests that the team's needs for the Arlington site—pegged at around $855 million in taxpayer funds—align with pre-existing infrastructure improvement plans regardless of the Bears' potential move.
Local input has also been part of the conversation, with Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle and others pushing for consideration of the former Michael Reese Hospital site in Bronzeville. Although Mayor Brandon Johnson underscored his belief in keeping the Bears on the lakefront, saying "The investment in a stadium is really an investment in the entire campus," as per WGN-TV. Meanwhile, former Republican State Representative Mark Batinick highlighted in a report that a new stadium could attract major events with significant economic impact but pointed out the prohibitive nature of Cook County's property tax rates for such an endeavor. His data suggested a potential $210 million annual property tax bill for a $3 billion stadium in Arlington Heights.
